Question

The magnetic dipole moment of a current-carrying loop of wire is in the positive z direction. If a uniform magnetic field is in the positive x direction the magnetic torque on the loop is:

A) 0
B) in the positive y direction
C) in the negative y direction
D) in the positive z direction
E) in the negative z direction

Answer 1

The magnetic torque on a current-carrying loop with a magnetic dipole moment in the positive z direction and a magnetic field in the positive x direction is in the positive y direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The magnetic torque τ on a current-carrying loop is given by τ = μ × B, where μ is the magnetic dipole moment and B is the magnetic field. Since the magnetic dipole moment is in the positive z direction and the magnetic field is in the positive x direction, the torque will be in the direction given by the right-hand rule for the cross product, which is in the positive y direction. Therefore, the correct answer is B) in the positive y direction.